A neighbour who refused to be identified spoke nothing but kind words of Atkinson.

“I had known him since he was a little boy, he was a famous footballer at one time. He was friendly, he had no trouble that I know of.”

A police statement reads:

“West Mercia Police can confirm that officers responded to a report for the concern for the safety of an individual. At approximately 1.30am this morning at an address in Telford.

“Upon arrival Taser was deployed and a 48-year-old man, who subsequently received medical attention, was pronounced dead at approximately 3am.

“West Mercia Police are unable to comment any further as the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as is normal procedure, and will assist the IPCC with their inquiries.”

REMEMBERING ATKINSON

Atkinson played over 80 games during a four year stint at Aston Villa. The striker will be remembered for his super strike against Wimbledon in Villa’s 3-2 win in the 1992 Premiership.

Two years later and Atkinson made headlines again, scoring at Wembley as Villa defeated Manchester United to win the League Cup.

Atkinson is also recieving tributes from former clubs Sheffield Wednesday and Spain’s Real Sociedad.